Sports Section Reports

Former Pupils’ Section

Remarkably, however, the season began with a match going the full length at Gordonians, but dropped catches and the loss of key wickets at vital times were to cost us the game whilst setting the tone for the season.

The following weeks (and months) brought similar heartache despite valiant batting and bowling performances from some of the team, as losses against Methlick (where skipper Mike Nattrass scored the first 50 of the season for the club) and then 2nd KnightRiders (where Sam Knudson avoided a century - 98) were close run things. This was then followed by a defeat by Ellon (who scored a Grades record total but were then frustrated by Tom Murray’s resolute batting) and a frustrating loss to Super Kings (who suddenly found a couple of star players, Ben Frizzel scoring a 50 in his only game of the season). The game against Siyapa promised much, Aman Sood scoring an aggressive 88, but FPs could not find a victory and the same outcome occurred again against Aberdeen Super Kings where Mike Nattrass somehow took a 5 for.

At the this point of the season FPs looked be at serious risk of relegation back to Grade 3, but with four games to play against teams we had run close all season, there was still confidence a couple of wins would come and a miracle would be in reach. This would have been enough to keep us up due to the quirk of only one team being relegated. Unfortunately, the away trip to Fraserburgh did not make the start of the much desired and required change of result. Ian Johnston having transport and communication issues meant that the 2s travelled hoping he’d picked up Rajaa Monnapillai, and was on the way only to be told on arrival that they’d broken down and, eventually, that they wouldn’t be joining their comrades at all, leaving FPs heavily under strength. 2nd Knights at home was again a close run affair, but no one seemed able to hang around to add the runs required to make it a challenge beyond their batsmen and relegation was all but confirmed.

However, with that pressure off, the team found a new lease of life. With an away trip to Stonehaven (last year’s runaway Grade 3 winners) FPs batted first and amassed a decent total of 202. After a steady start in reply, skipper Nattrass kept faith with opening bowler Farhan, which was repaid by him taking a couple of quick wickets. Sean Harrower came on for Rajaa Monnapillai and had an early impact, working in tandem with John Eagles, having three batsmen caught by Nattrass (2 x Harrower, 1 x Eagles) and another caught by Rajaa (off Eagles). Agha Haider was brought on to mix things up again, taking 1 for 14 from his seven overs, and was followed by Mike Nattrass, clean bowling a schoolboy to reduce Stonehaven to 80-odd for 8.

What followed neatly summed up the 2nd XI season – as the destructive number 10 threw caution to the wind (and bat at ball) striking a series of mighty blows to swing the momentum back their way, as suddenly more and more wides were given to assist the two set batsmen. Eventually, after Harrower came back into the attack, the number 10 was caught at cow corner and was followed by

number 11 caught and bowled by Harrower. The 2nds had won their first game of the season, if only by 7 runs.

Hungry for more, and wishing to leave Grade 2 on a high, the team set themselves on a roll on their visit to Siyapa where almost all the catches were taken, and messrs Gary Stuart and Sood took three wickets apiece leaving certain players wondering where such a bowling and fielding performance had been all season. Senthil, on loan from the Firsts to get some time at the crease, was in particularly destructive mood, with 63 as FPs won by 7 wickets in 20 overs.

All in all, the season was a slight disappointment, with the team hampered for numbers and consistency throughout the season resulting in a return to Grade 3 from where they had been rightly promoted. That being said, thanks go to all of those who turned out and gave their efforts this past season; it would have been far tougher without them and especially those expecting to play more occasional and/or Grade 3 cricket.

Mentions also go to the schoolboys/juniors who turned out and stepped up to Grade 2 standard through taking wickets and scoring runs in their valuable efforts.

With Kemnay pulling out of the Grades, ironically 2nds will once again be in Grade 2, where we shall look to return to form, challenge for promotion and continue to develop the younger club members at a standard which is another step towards Grade 1 and 1st XI cricket.

3rd XI

The 3rd XI had another very disappointing season as only four matches were played, winning one, losing three and unfortunately scratching a total of nine matches due to a lack of players. This was ironic as 2018 was the best summer for cricket, weather-wise, for many years.

The 3rds first game of the season was against Portcullis at the Duthie Park. FPs batted first and scored an impressive 223 all out in 44.5 overs. Top scorers were Aman Sood with 65, Elia Gubbala with 61 and John Eagles 32. Portcullis lost their first wicket on 9 and their second wicket on 210. O. Thorpe scored an excellent 108 and C. Steward finished 76 not out as FPs struggled to take wickets. Sood 10 – 2 – 34 - 1 and Gubbala 12 – 0 – 50 – 1 were the pick of the seven bowlers used.

Two months later 3rds played their second game of the season, a Sunday match at Rubislaw against 2nd Grampian. Sood made 42, again top scoring in a total of 144, but a collapse saw the last five wickets fall for 14 runs. 2nd Grampian batted positively throughout their innings and won by 7 wickets in 33.4 overs. Wicket takers for FPs were Gary Stuart 6 – 1 – 13 – 1, Aman Sood 6 – 1 –19 – 1 and Arif Ali 4 – 0 – 23 – 1.

Former Pupils’ Section

A trip to play Crathie at Balmoral is always one of the highlights of the season, usually with no shortage of volunteers to play. This time, however, FPs struggled to round up a team for this Sunday match, Crathie having generously agreed to postpone the Saturday fixture when we could not raise a team.

FP's 'batted' first and looked to be heading home before the famous Crathie pies were even warm in the oven at 21 for 7 off 10.5 overs. Then came a remarkable turnaround as 1st XI stalwart Karan Anand, originally making the trip as the team tourist, was promoted from sightseer to number 11 and then to number 8 and took over the recovery. A stand of 77 with Pete Macklin saw Macklin contribute a staunch defence as Anand scored all 77. Then Sean Harrower nearly stole Anand’s thunder hitting a 6 in a stand of 37, but Anand responded by reaching his hundred, hitting 12 x 6 and 6 x 4 in a display of controlled, selective hitting. Crathes were not too pleased at Anand playing, but a score of 21 – 7 with two inexperienced players to come would have meant a long drive and wasted afternoon for most players, but not bowler J. Thomas who took 6 – 21 in his seven overs.

Following tea, enjoyed by FP players more than Crathie players, a very even and exciting contest saw Crathie need 15 off the 40th and final over, and 6 off the last ball. Crathie top scorer P. Cunningham just failed to win the match, being caught off Rajaa Monnapillai for 67.

Best bowling for FPs, Monnapillai 10 – 1 – 31 – 4, Sood 6 – 0 – 21 – 3, Faraj Monnapillai 3 – 1 – 12 – 1, Farhan 6 – 1 – 19 – 1, Callum Herd 7 – 1 – 23 – 1, with 1st XI top wicket-taker Anand electing not to bowl to keep the game interesting. This was a match not to be forgotten by the two schoolboys and three players playing their first ever season of cricket.

The fourth and last game of the season was played at Sheddocksley against promotion seeking 2nd Grampian. FPs had to play three guest players and Chetan Karmilla, 8-year old son of Vinod Karmilla. This Heinz variety side batted first and were all out for 57, young Karmilla frustrating the Grampian bowlers for seven overs, the second longest spell without a wicket. 2nd Grampian took 12 overs to win the match by 8 wickets, Ranald Wilkie taking 1-4 and Faraj Monnapillai taking 1 – 21.

The lack of players during the season was quite a shock and with only three schoolboys playing and cricket seemingly no longer an option at the Grammar, the future for the 3rd XI looks bleak and the decision was taken during the winter to disband it and to hope that the Sunday Development XI could be a path for young players.

Sunday Development XI

The Rubislaw Development XI managed only three matches during 2018, winning two and losing one.

The first match in early May was an easy victory for a strong Rubislaw team against Portcullis, with Sam Knudson hitting an entertaining 44 not out, Mike Nattrass also scoring 44, Doug Russell 42 and Gary Stuart 39, as Rubislaw rattled up 220 for 7. In reply Portcullis were dismissed for 72, schoolboy Qasim Farhan bowling an excellent spell taking 4 - 9 and Shoab Alvi 2 - 8.

The next match was another victory against Mannofield, who scored 146 - 7, Ranald Wilkie taking 3 - 34. Wilkie then blasted a quick 72 not out and Aman Sood 27 not out to see Rubislaw home by four wickets.

The final game was in September at Mannofield, the format a 20/20 match. Mannofield scored 161 - 4, Rajaa Monnapillai taking 2 - 24. Rubislaw fell a little short scoring 136 - 9 with Farhan scoring an impressive 19 not out but Sean Harrower showed the top order how to bat, hitting an aggressive 45.

Football

Grammar FPs entered into their thirty-first season in Amateur football with only a handful of players left over from the previous season and a real worry that we would not be able to field a team for the new season. Our funds were also very low and we came close to folding.

Frantic attempts were made via all channels to get players “in” so that we could continue to play. After a successful appeal we managed to sign up additional players and started with a squad of around twenty players. Sadly again there were no FPs or any players from the school.

We had a slow start to Division 2 East and spent most of the season in the bottom half of the league. Our manager decided to leave us mid-season. One of the team stepped up and took on the role of player/manager and we continued on. Our form improved as the season progressed and we finished in 7th place which meant a disappointing season again for us but better than expected.

Our committee met late April and decided that the club required a major overhaul and that we needed a plan to try and get back on a better footing both financially and on the playing side. We advertised for a new manager and were delighted to bring on board for next season someone who is well connected in local football circles and has a good vision of how he wanted to take the club forward.

The first part of the rejuvenation started with the club having a race night at the end of May at the RUA Club in Aberdeen, which brought in a good 4-figure sum to our coffers. We have also managed to secure a couple of sponsorship deals with some local businesses which will also benefit. On the recruitment side, we have managed to sign up some quality players from a higher level and we have more in the pipeline who have verbally committed for the season ahead. The mood is now one of optimism.

Former Pupils’ Section

A tough pre-season training plan will start on the 17th June, to ensure that the players are fully fit and ready for the start of the 2019/20 in August. Any FPs or school leavers interested in joining us at preseason training should get in touch with Malcolm Robertson via email grammarfps@gmail.com for further details.

Men’s Hockey

1st XI

The 1st XI went into the 2018/19 season on the back of a convincing promotion from National 3 but with a tough task ahead of them, National League 2 posing a significant challenge for a Grammar team with an average age of 21.

The team was bolstered with welcome additions in the form of Kieran Friel, Andrew Crowe and Joe Bruce, filling the positions of Right Wing, Centre Back and FWD respectively. Despite the new recruits, the club as a whole continued to witness a significant decrease in senior club members. A smaller pool of players ultimately had a severe impact on all three teams and an ever increasing reliance was placed upon the School pupils stepping up to play for the FPs. The lack of squad availability was sadly a recurring theme throughout the season for the 1st XI and was the primary factor hamstringing further progression up the league table.

This lack of availability was nowhere more apparent than in the two corresponding fixtures against the established Inverleith Hockey Club. A weakened squad of eleven travelled down to the capital and, despite a commendable effort from the team (including a number of the old guard and younger AGS pupils) we were on the end of a thumping defeat. Contrast this with the home fixture at Rubislaw, a full squad of sixteen first choice players in tow. The outcome of this was the result of the season for the 1st XI. Finding themselves 2-4 down with ten minutes to play, Grammar staged an unlikely comeback, with goals from Jack Stuart and John Dargie recording a historic win. This would prove to be a crucial three points in a hotly contested NL2.

Another notable result was an excellent away performance against disciplined St. Andrews University. A closely contested match ended 1-2 Grammar, a brilliantly executed short corner goal from Patrick Van Diggelen added to an excellent earlier reverse finish from Joe Bruce. A strong performance against Perthshire at Rubislaw also awarded the FPs an important three points.

Ultimately, the season came to a head in the penultimate fixture against local rivals, Granite City Wanderers. With the winner effectively sealing NL2 survival and the loser relegation, this was the most important fixture the 1st XI had faced in a number of seasons. A cagey game, the teams went into the 2nd half all square at 1-1. Grammar dominated play, but both teams were unable to put away a number of gilt-edged chances. It was, once again, our Dutch talisman, Patrick van Digellen, who stepped up to a short corner ten minutes from time and slotted a perfect drag flick into the bottom right corner. 2-1 the result, the final whistle 59

ringing in elated celebrations from the 1st XI. A historic victory for FPs which secured NL2 status for next season.

Lastly, a regular staple of the 1st XI were a number of AGS school pupils who impressed and developed throughout the season. Cameron Ogilvie, Gregor Morrison, Fin Renton, and Lucas Findlay all played a significant part in the 1st XI success, whilst Neal Fleming also stepped up for a couple of memorable performances between the sticks.

Thanks also to Stephen Molloy and Jack Bushfield for stepping up to coach and manage the 1st XI this season. We would have found ourselves in a much worse position without their ongoing support and commitment.

3rd XI

The FP Men’s Hockey Section now only has three teams, with the 3rds made up of Grammarians, (including several members in their seventies), some younger teenage schoolboys, their fathers and an assortment of young adults who can play on Sundays. They compete in the North District Second Division and finished very respectably in mid-table. John Chalmers was our Captain and did a splendid job of getting teams organised. The senior section are constant supporters of the club after their games.

Grammarians continue to supply both AGS and the feeder primary schools with coaches, umpires, managers and drivers. Amongst the stalwarts are Emma Mair, Andy Deady, Tony Duguid, Malcolm Ewen, Alastair (Fluff) Freeman, Fred Lawson, Ben Johnson, Howard Smith and James Williams.

AGS 1st team were runners-up to Strathallan in the Scottish Senior Schools Plate, having beaten Gordonstoun in the semis. Fin Renton and Gregor Morrison are currently training with Scotland U16/U18 squads while Neil Fleming, Lewis Fraser, Nicholas McCormack and Cameron Ogilvie also represented North District.

A large crowd in early December braved some bracing conditions and were rewarded with a closely fought contest for the John Drummond Trophy. Grammarians made the most of their early chances and took the lead through Murray Bissett. As the first half went on the School 1st team came into the game and deservedly equalised just before half time. The second half was closely fought with both teams scoring from short corners, and with Grammarians’ goal being credited to James Williams. Cameron Ogilvie scored for the School and was widely acclaimed as the “man of the match”. The final score was 3-3. David Wallis and Kevin Pope umpired with their customary mix of sound judgement and humour, making sure the rules were correctly adhered to. Warming soup and lunch revived the spectators and the annual social event, involving the schoolboys, parents, Grammarians and guests was an enjoyable event and a good fundraiser for youth hockey. Individual awards went to Cameron Ogilvie (Duncan Jeffrey Award), Nicholas McCormack (AGS Player of the Year), and 60

Former Pupils’ Section Morgan Daniel (AGS S3 Grammarians Medal for S3 boys). As always, Dianne Drummond kindly presented the trophy and individual awards. Glasses were raised to the memory of Jim Lyon.

The Grammarians Cup, played between AGS S1-S3 boys and Senior Grammarians (Over 50s) was another close contest, with both sides spurning chances and defending doggedly. The deadlock was broken with only a minute to go during a goalmouth scramble involving virtually every player from both teams. Ben Johnson forced the ball over the line, and afterwards in the clubhouse most Senior Grammarians claimed an assist. The old men were delighted that a mixture of experience, treachery and bad breath had triumphed over speed and the modern technical skills employed by the boys. The youngsters came back to the Club Centre for pizza and soft drinks and appeared to enjoy the banter.

Pétanque

The 2018 season commenced with our Annual General Meeting in April and the new Committee was put in place. We had approximately thirty members for the season with some more enthusiastic than others about joining us in our competitions. There was also a loss of membership due to the lack of information in regard to the continuation of the Club Property.

The season began in May with our now annual event of the Round Robin where some twenty of us enjoy evenings on the Piste playing and supporting the Club. The weather on the odd occasion during the season was not always kind to us, but we persevered and got most of our competitions completed on time other than that our Triples which will be completed at the beginning of the 2019 season.

As usual we kept the Piste in a good condition, dealing with whatever repairs were required and we are again grateful to our members for their dedication and help.

In July we had our Annual Competition with the Collieston Club, which was held at Collieston this year. It was a great day, and they laid on a superb repast. Unfortunately, we came second this year so we are looking forward to our next match to redeem ourselves.

The Season ended in September, however on Boxing Day we opened up the Piste, after the usual Exiles Rugby Match, this year without the snow, and twenty of us had a few hours on the Piste and enjoyed Gluwein and Nibbles.

It was with a sad heart that we learned on 1st March 2019, that a stalwart of the Club in Alastair Ritchie (Big Al) had died. He had braved a short illness and will be a great loss as a staunch supporter of the Petanque Section as well as the Club Centre where he enjoyed a pint or two, especially on a Sunday.

The 2019 AGM was held on 14th April and the following were elected as the new Executive Committee.

Captain - Derek Young: Secretary - Katie McDonald: Treasurer – Keith Douglas

Ordinary Members: David McDonald; Karen Vass; David Stuart; Liz Chrystall.

The Pétanque Section is always looking for new members at all levels and ages and anyone interested in joining us should make contact with any of the above officials for further information.

We are looking forward to another season and, hopefully, we will be here for 2020.

The following are the results of the 2018 competitions:

Singles Championship

Winner: Peter Hendeson Runner up: Ken Pritchard .

Doubles Championship

Winners: Peter Henderson & Philip Henderson Runners-up: Elizabeth Chrystall & David Stuart

Alastair Ritchie Plate

Winners: Derek Young & Patrick Buik

Peter Tawse Memorial Trophy (Summer Solstice) Winner: Peter Henderson Runner-up: Donald Murray

Ronnie Comber Trophy

Winner: Richard Cradock Runner-up: Barbara Bucket Plate: Ken Pritchard

Round Robin. Winner: Derek Young Runner-up Richard Cradock

Office Bearers:

Captain Barbara Buckett Secretary Katie McDonald Treasurer Karen Vass

Former Pupils’ Section Rugby

A Return to the Top

Season 2018-19 has been one to celebrate for the players, coaches, officials, sponsors and supporters of Aberdeen Grammar Rugby. Since demotion to National League 1 a few seasons ago, the Club has consolidated its tenure and been steadily improving performances. The past season is a testament to the hard work of all currently actively involved in and around Rubislaw. Having adopted an ethos of “total amateurism”, the spirit of camaraderie and fellowship has been growing and has brought notable success, under the direction of Club Chairman, Gordon Thomson and Head Coach, Ali O’ Connor.

1st XV

Ably captained on the field by FP, Sam Knudson (2004-10) at stand-off, the “Firsts” had a good season in Tennent’s National League Division 1, finally achieving a 4th-place finish and promotion to the newly-structured Premiership, the top level of club rugby in Scotland, next season. The record speaks for itself

Place P W L D For Ag’st TB LB Total 4th 22 13 8 1 725 523 17 2 71

Aberdeen Grammar Rugby were the only team to take points, home and away, from Jed-Forest (2nd), including a spectacular 68-22 win at Rubislaw on the opening day of the season and a hard-fought draw at Riverside Park, where an understrength and unfamiliar line-up fought back from 24-3 down, with 18 minutes to go, to finally snatch a brave draw with a try in extra time from 2nd XV Captain, Jackie Burnett, converted from the touchline by Bryn Perrott. What a display of skill, spirit and tenacity!

Notable wins included against Kelso away (33-46) and home (66-7); Musselburgh (47-28) and GHA (42-19), both at home; and Selkirk (30-17) at Rubislaw, this being revenge for “one that got away” at Philiphaugh, where the Souters grabbed a 28-26 win through a try and conversion in the very last minute of play. There have been some disappointments and “what-ifs” too. The 24-37 loss at home to Cartha Queen’s Park was a nightmare for those who played in it, when so many of the familiar faces were posted missing attending a local wedding. What could go wrong, did go wrong.

Not only have the team gained promotion, they have played with élan and a much admired attacking, open style of 15-man rugby which saw them amass 17 try-bonus points, a feat only equalled by eventual league winners, Marr RFC. On the whole they have been a pleasure to watch.

In 2003, then Aberdeen GSFPs (captained by Australian semi-pro, Rob Seib, and coached by professional, Damien Reidy), won the Integrated Trophy, beating Glasgow Hawks 43-27 at Rubislaw. This year, Aberdeen Grammar Rugby emulated this winning of a national trophy by securing the National League Cup at a sunny Bridgehaugh Ground, Stirling, where the team were presented with the trophy by SRU President, Dee Bradbury. The Cup run began on 25 August away to Ardrossan Academicals (7-60), followed by Stewart’s Melville (h: 31-14); Falkirk (a: 0-62); and, Kelso (a: 13-34), climaxing with a really hard-fought Final on 20 April against local Caledonian North rivals, Highland RFC, the large partisan support of Aberdeen Grammar Rugby enjoying a 10-26 win and a few refreshments thereafter. Thanks to all who travelled on the day – it was super to hear the cheers away from home.

2ndXV

Managed by club stalwart Duncan Massey, our “Seconds”, lacking sufficient senior players throughout the campaign, experienced mixed fortunes in their regional league, Tennent’s Caledonian North 2, eventually finishing in a midtable 5th place, in a season peppered with notable wins and dramatic losses, depending on the availability of largely young student players and the necessary call-ups to the “Firsts”. Their record -

Place P W L D For Ag’st TB LB Total 5th 16 8 8 0 452 366 8 2 39

Despite their mercurial results, the same wider squad spirit and high morale were also evident, no more so than in the “double-header” fixture against runaway league winners, Highland, played in advance of the Cup Final at Stirling, where a rousing game ended in a controversial last-minute loss 15-10. If we could put that team out every week it would be a big step forward.

Particular mention should be made of the 71-36 home win against Ross Sutherland and the hard-fought 29-35 away win against North Scotland Police. Team continuity was not helped by elongated fallow periods of some weeks in the season when fixtures were not available.

Dallas Allardice Trophy

This season we have regained and retained this prestigious trophy which is played for every time we visit Morgan Academy in Dundee. The Trophy was presented by the Allardice family in memory of the late Dallas ‘Dally’ Allardyce (1934 -39) who was a goal-kicking scrum half and 8-times Scottish Cap in 1947-49 who captained both FPs and North Midlands. He became a PE teacher at the Grammar and then taught for 25 years at the High School of Dundee. A solid 13-33 victory at Morgan Academy FP’s ground at Dundee in November was surpassed by an 64

Former Pupils’ Section impressive 50-25 home win at Rubislaw in April. Sadly, we will not play in the same league next season, but moves are in hand to try and arrange a suitable “friendly” fixture for the Trophy against our old and much valued rivals.

Off the Field

On Friday, 17 May 2019, incidentally another Byron House FP, Club Captain, Doug Russell (2004-10), organised a splendid evening of end-of-season entertainment and high jinks at the Double Tree by Hilton Aberdeen City Hotel at the beach, drawing an excellent attendance. Guest Speaker was 17-capped Scottish International second-row, Stewart Campbell, who gave a superb oration on International and Borders rugby. Guests from Aberdeenshire RFC and Gordonians RFC were also welcomed. Amongst trophy winners were Chris Jollands (Players’ Player and Top Try Scorer); Ewan Stewart (Young Player of the Year); Yaseen Ahmanache (2nd Team Player of the Year); and Duncan Massey (Clubman of the Year). In an unprecedented move, Press Player of the Year (selected by Jack Nixon of the Press & Journal), was shared by the league’s outstanding back row of the season - Jollands, Dravitski and Ryan.

On a sadder note, during this season three club stalwarts have died. Honorary Vice President, Norman Garden (1960-66) and Past Presidents Dick Cradock (1940-51) and Graham Barron (aka “G-bear”) (1943-54). All at the Club are saddened by their passing. These three made significant contributions both on and off the field and were tremendously enthusiastic supporters, even during their last months with us. The dressing room has just not been the same without the growl of the G’bear.

Next Season

Without doubt, the coming season will be a real challenge for our young squads and the coaching team. We are pleased to report that through an initiative partfunded by the SRU and supported by the teaching staff of the school, we will be re-introducing rugby coaching to S1 to S6 pupils with the aim in the future of yet again being able to present age-group teams under the Aberdeen Grammar Rugby name and reintegrate the Junior Section again into the overall Club structure, rather than have our young players representing Granite City Colts, our current collaboration, by necessity, with Aberdeen Wanderers.

Financial support for this initiative and sponsorship of the full gambit of Club activities is still a pressing priority and we would implore regular supporters and Former Pupils to consider funding and making contributions in kind to our efforts to keep the Aberdeen Grammar Rugby name to the fore in Scottish club rugby and represent the City far and wide. This is particularly necessary with the inevitable increase in costs as we move to the Premiership and will be competing for resources with the ‘Super 6’ franchises newly granted by the SRU in the overall Scottish Rugby culture and context.

Although morale is presently high, we face the loss of our gym and social hub with the imminent sale and eventual closure of the FP Club Centre. Every effort is being made to source alternative facilities in the proximity of Rubislaw. However, we are bound to suffer disruption during the transition period. Again, offers of support and funding to assist during this period could be of great value in maintaining the Club’s current positive momentum.

Finally, a big thank you to all those individuals, companies and organisations that have contributed to our most successful season in some years.

Women’s Hockey

The 2018-2019 season began with the tough task of deciding to drop down to one team. The decision was not taken lightly and was the hardest decision the club has taken in the last thirty years. In short, there were twelve players missing from the starting line up from the 1st XI at the start of 2018/2019 season in comparison to the start of the 2017/2018 season. The club lost players to injury, players heading away to University and indeed players relocating. It felt like the club had hit the ‘perfect storm’. Rather than let their heads go down the girls rose to the occasion and made some tough calls. Having looked at the available players at the start of the season the difficult decision was taken to remove the Club from the North District Division One and instead play in Division Two.

Captain Emma Williams approached her challenge with her usual enthusiasm and in spite of the unusual situation the team got off to a great start in their Division Two campaign. Emma relied on a mixture of experience and youth to get the club through to Christmas and went into the indoor break at the top of the league. By February a couple of the long term injury players had returned to action and the team took the North District Division Two title having conceded less than ten goals all season. The Club was delighted to have blended a combination of experience, youth and returners. Well done to Emma and her team for a hugely successful season.

2018-2019 1st XI results:

P W D L For Against Points Deducte d Points

18 18 0 0 70 6 0 54

The Club is forever indebted to Martin Fraser, Peter Goldie, Andy Deady, Murray Bisset and others for their help with schoolgirl coaching at Aberdeen Grammar School. It is hoped the future is even brighter as there are a super group of primary school players beginning their hockey careers with FP’s own

Former Pupils’ Section Emma Mair, Tony Duguid, Ben Johnson, Howard Smith, Lisa Tomkins, James Williams and Fred Lawson guiding them. This season Emma Mair and Kieran Friel have also targeted the U-14 age group and successfully coached a weekly group consisting of regulars and new starts. The AGSFP’s women’s section has also directly benefitted from a very supportive set of parents and Active Schools working with us and the children across all the age groups. Long may these relationships be strong.

It has been another busy year for the Hockey Club Committee who have ensured that the players are all insured and registered appropriately as well as attending all the other meetings associated with running the Hockey Club. Thanks to all.

Indoor Update

The 1st VI had a super indoor season and finished as runners up in the Indoor League. This was quite an achievement for the Club given how tough the season was. Captain Emma McKelvey did a fantastic job and the team loved their indoor season.

ND Indoor Div 1 P W D L GF GA Pts AGSFP 1st VI 12 6 3 3 21 14 21

The 2nd VI really enjoyed their indoor season. Again, the team spirit was commendable. Many thanks in particular to Claire Drummond for getting a team out every week and an umpire too. Well done to all those who played this season, another great year for indoor.

ND Indoor Div 2 P W D L GF GA Pts AGSFP 2nd VI 10 2 1 7 15 57 7

Three of our players, Helen Bruce, Norma Brownie and Sheila Reid were again selected to play for Scotland in Masters Teams in Four Nations events this summer in England. This year they are all going on to play in the European event in The Netherlands in July as well. Well done to them all.

Finally, many thanks are due Murray Bissett, the girls’ long suffering coach. Thanks too are due to Helen Bruce for stepping in to take training when Murray was unavailable. Sincere thanks also to all this season’s umpires, in particular, to Gillian Graham and Andy Deady among many others for all their efforts in this regard; the teams are very, very grateful.

As ever, if you are keen to take up hockey again, or have never played before, you are very welcome to come along to training to see how you get on. Training

is on Tuesday evenings at Rubislaw from 7.00pm – 8.30pm and starts on the third Tuesday in August. This coming season we are again delighted to be offering P7/S1 and S2 the chance to play in another weekly session from 6-7pm on Tuesdays before senior training time.

For further information, contact: Emma Mair, Secretary - emma.mair14@gmail.com

Annual Dinner

The Annual Dinner was once again held in the grand atmosphere of the Royal Northern & University Club on Friday 22 March 2019.

As customary, there were representatives from other Former Pupils’ Clubs both local and from further afield. Our own Edinburgh and Glasgow Centres were represented by their Presidents and a special welcome was extended to Bill Guthrie, the President of our Canadian Centre.

We were pleased to welcome once again Alison Murison, the Head Teacher, who was accompanied by Catherine Denison, the Head Girl and Lewis MacIver, the Head Boy. Also present were seven of our Honorary Vice-Presidents.

The President, Gillian Thomas, was in the chair and conducted the proceedings in her own delightful style, contriving to adhere to the timetable without undue rush. A most enjoyable meal was served in keeping with the RNUC standards which we have come to appreciate. We especially enjoyed the choice of wines available from the Club’s cellar. Following the meal raffle prizes were distributed to the fortunate winners.

The traditional toast to “The School and the Club” was proposed by Professor Jamie Grieve, emeritus Professor of Forensic Pathology at Aberdeen University who in a speech spiced with gems of humour congratulated the School on the high standards which it clearly maintains and on its recent Inspection Report. He was appreciative of the value of the Former Pupils’ Club and its efforts to keep to these standards in the changing circumstances of the digital media age.

Replying for the School Miss Murison laid stress on the highly successful result of the inspection carried out towards the end of 2018 and emphasised how much was owed to a dedicated staff delivering a high standard of education. The two senior pupils each gave their account of their experiences of their time in the School and gave an insight into the School’s extramural activities, both sporting and cultural. Once again stress was laid on the multi-award winning Concert Band.

Replying on behalf of the Club the President singled out some of the highlights of her past year, her second in office. She had again been impressed by the extent of the activities of the candidates for the Club’s All Round Trophy awards and in particular the mentoring work done by senior pupils with the 68

Former Pupils’ Section younger pupils in the School. She spoke encouragingly of the possible developments for the Club’s sports sections following the regretted but inevitable disposal of the Club Centre.

The President-Elect, Iain Hopkin, expressed a comprehensive vote of thanks to all responsible for the evening’s arrangements and thanked the staff of the RNUC for their careful attention to our requirements.

The following FPs attended the Dinner (in order of entering School): B.K. Crookshanks (1934-46), W. Guthrie (1939-51), D.R. Harper (1944-58), J.A.C. Michie (1944-58), D.B. Galloway (1944-58), D.L. Allan (1945-58), G.G. Benton (1946-50), P.N. Love (1952-58), J.G. Davidson (1947-60), M. Gauld (1947-61), M. Wolkoff (1947-61), H.A.B. Will (1947-61), A.D. Milne (1950-58), I.H. McLeod (1951-55), M.S. Davidson (1952-56), I.W. Douglas (1952-57), W. Hutcheon (1952-58), D. Hopkin (1955-61), A.G. Campbell (1959-65), N.J.G. Lawrie (1961-74), I. S. Hopkin (1962-68), N.G.M. Watt (1963-69), G. Boyne (1964-73), K. McHardy (1964-73), J. Rae (1964-71), D.G. Moir (1969-75), A. J. Thompson (1969-75), A. Martin (1970-81), M. Daniel (1975-81), D. Dargie (1975-79), C.M. Walker (1975-80), P.J. Fleming, (1975-81), G.A. Thomas (197580), T.J.H. Menzies (1975-81), M. Appleton, (1976-81), G.K. Crookshanks (1979-85), D.R.D. Wallis (1979-85), T.J. Rolfe (1982-86), W. Bradford (198490), G.M.E. Graham (1991-97), S. Knudson (2004-10)

Next year’s Dinner will be held at the Royal Northern & University Club on Friday 20 March 2020.

1st City of Aberdeen (Grammar School) Scout Group:

Request for Contacts with Former Members

This note is for the attention of Grammarians who were members of the 1 st Aberdeen Group as Scouts and/or Rovers. It is intended primarily to interest former Scouts who were members in the period 1955-1965, but this is not exclusive. We would also welcome involvement by anyone associated with the Group earlier or later than that decade.

Recently, a number of us who were members at that time have got together to establish an embryonic network of former Scouts. The core group involved is Hunter Cairns, Garth Glentworth, Peter Jeffrey, Harry Millar, Ron Smith and Diana Stevenson (née Edwards).Hopefully some of these names will be known to Magazine readers. We currently have details of about fifty potential participants.

The main purpose of this note is to encourage others to sign up. All that is involved is to send your email address and any other contact details you wish to include to Harry Millar – email henryculter@gmail.com and copy these to each 69